Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in Joburg (February 2026)

05 Feb 2026

Embrace all the love Joburg has to offer this Valentine's Day. Photo: Primetime ZA via Instagram..

Enjoy the music of love at SoulPlay. Photo: Soulplay via Instagram.

Spend a day outdoors with the loves of your life at Lover's Rock Festival. Photo: Lover's Rock Festival

Get creatiive for Valentine's Day with ceramics. Photo: Artwave Studio via Facebook.

Come February, love fills the air, carrying the sweet scents of roses, Champagne, and chocolate. We owe this celebration to St Valentine, a rebel priest in ancient Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II's anti-marriage laws for soldiers by secretly performing marriages for them. Today, we honour St Valentine by spreading love every February 14, not just among lovers but also with family and friends. While a cosy dinner for two is a classic, don't forget to share the love with those closest to you. Need some ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day in Joburg? We've got you covered.

Experiences to book for

1. GISELLE BY JOBURG BALLET

Joburg Ballet dancers Tammy Higgins and Revil Yon will feature in their season-opening production, *Giselle*. Photo: Lauge Sorensen.

For lovers of timeless romance and dramatic storytelling, Joburg Ballet presents Giselle at the Joburg Theatre as part of its 25th anniversary season. This iconic ballet – a heartrending tale of love beyond the grave – is staged by acclaimed former ballerina Angela Malan and brought to life by a stellar cast of Joburg Ballet principals and role debuts. With both matinee and evening performances on Valentine’s Day, it’s an exquisitely romantic way to celebrate – and if you’d like to extend the magic, Giselle runs from Thu, Feb 12 – Sun, Feb 15. Book your tickets here.

2. RAND CLUB VALENTINE’S DAY HIGH TEA

Treat yourself and the ones you love with high tea at the Rand Club. Photo: Unsplash.

If it’s elegance and indulgence you’re after, the Rand Club Valentine’s Day High Tea is the place to be on Sat, Feb 14. From 12:00 – 16:00, enjoy a refined afternoon of tea, treats, and charming company in the grand surroundings of the Rand Club. Perfect for Valentine’s, Gal-entines, or Pal-entines, this smart-casual affair promises a special way to celebrate love and friendship. Book your tickets here.

3. JOHANNESBURG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (JPO) VALENTINE'S GALA CONCERT

Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in action. Photo: Lauge Sorensen.

For beautiful sounds and gestures, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) returns with its Valentine’s Gala Concert at the Linder Auditorium, Parktown, on Sat, Feb 14. Under the baton of celebrated conductor Daniel Boico, the evening features award-winning pianist Charl du Plessis, a programme of love-themed favourites, and a touch of ballroom magic from South Africa’s champions, Nkululeko Khumalo and Sthembile Ndwalane. Romantic, elegant, and wonderfully unexpected – book your tickets online here.

4. CITY SIGHTSEEING WILD IN LOVE VALENTINE'S BUS TOUR

The City Sightseeing Bus provides uniquely romantic views of Joburg. Photo: Supplied.

Departing from Rosebank at 17:30 on Sat, Feb 14, this exclusive City Sightseeing Red Bus tour is tailor-made for romance. Sip a glass of bubbly and indulge in Lindt chocolates as you soak up panoramic views from Munro Drive at golden hour. The evening unfolds with sundowners at the Munro Viewpoint, a romantic picnic on the Johannesburg Zoo lawns, and an after-hours guided Zoo experience – all seamlessly wrapped into one unforgettable night, designed especially for couples. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Valentine’s Day, your way

Other events to help you celebrate love in ways that are anything but ordinary – think food, fun, and a little bit of flair.

Thu, Feb 12 – Ditch the apps and flirt IRL at Thursday's Valentine’s Night Takeover, with DJs, cocktails, and a singles-only crowd at Lock Stock & Beer in Sandton.
Fri, Feb 13 – It's all about love, beats, and red-hot style with hip-hop, R&B, gqom, bounce, and more at Prime Valentine’s Party at Maracana, Sandton.
Sat, Feb 14 – Swap roses and chocolate for adventure this Valentine’s. Explore Soweto on a two-hour bicycle or tuk-tuk tour, enjoy a hearty potjie lunch, and cosy up in a charming room at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Orlando West, for their Valentine's Day do.
Sat, Feb 14 – Celebrate the sonics of love with Soulplay’s first birthday Valentine’s Edition with classic soul, R&B, jazz grooves, and house beats under the Joburg sun at Victoria Yards.
Sat, Feb 14 – Dine above the city at Lovers On The Rooftop, a Valentine’s dinner at Artistry, Sandton, with city lights, intimate tables, and a three-course menu.
Sat, Feb 14 – Sweeten your Valentine’s at Field Berry Farm’s first-ever Field & Frosting: Cake Swap! Bring a cake to share and leave with a delicious variety of slices from fellow guests.
Sat, Feb 14 – Pilates, bottomless bubbles, brunch bites at The All GRLS Collective Pilates and Prosecco Galentines Day at Studio Alora, Parktown North.
Sat, Feb 14 – Skip Valentine’s clichés and dance it out at Heartbreak Hotel Party at Katy's Palace Bar in Kramerville, with great music, good food, and singles-only energy in Joburg.
Sat, Feb 14 – Lover’s Rock Festival is a soulful Valentine’s Day gathering celebrating love in all its forms, with music, food, picnics, markets, and a carnival at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift.
Sat, Feb 14 – Noodle lovers can celebrate the day with a three-course ramen feast, sweet desserts, and a touch of romance at Obento Ramen Bar in Sandton.
Sat, Feb 14 – Lee Cole brings his signature pop, R&B, and soul grooves, while Sweetie turns up the smooth, soulful sounds for a night of romance at The Hangout at The Troyeville.
Sat, Feb 14 – Catch your favourite films under the stars at Outdoor Movie Nights: Soweto Edition at the Soweto Equestrian Centre.
Sat, Feb 14 – Make Valentine's Day even more memorable with paint, wine, and creativity at a Valentine's edition of Wine & Create at Studio Artwave at 44 Stanley.
Sat, Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day turns blue with denim customisations, coffee tastings, cocktail sampling and more at Denim, Coffee & Cocktails at Arts on Main in Maboneng.